Karina Palamarchuck – 21 years old
From Veterinary Medical Assistant to Deminer
“I remember my childhood as very happy. I could always meet up with my friends and go for walks without fear of attacks. Back then, life was beautiful. I imagined that I would have a peaceful life and start my own family when I grew up. Unfortunately, that is not how reality turned out.”
Karina Palamarchuk was only nine years old when Crimea was invaded in 2014. But she made a promise to herself that one day, when she was grown up, she would help fight for her country.
When she graduated from school at the age of 18, she began working as a veterinary medical assistant at an animal clinic. It was her dream job, because she loves animals, especially cats, which she spent most of her days cuddling and caring for. But just one year later, she quit to fulfil the promise she had made to herself as a little girl.
“I really didn’t want to leave my job. But I felt a strong desire to become part of Ukraine’s struggle.”
“As a deminer, I contribute to keeping people safe. Right now, that is more important than my love for animals.”
Air raid sirens and lockdowns have taken away far too much of Karina’s youth, and she often feels alone. Her closest friend has fled abroad. Her older brothers, her godfather, and many of her friends are serving on the front line.
“Even my boyfriend is a soldier. He is home at the moment because he has been injured. Otherwise, we have had to get used to being far apart, both physically and emotionally. It is very difficult. I miss having someone by my side who can support me and be there for me.”
Every day, Karina thinks that life at 21 should not be like this. She misses travelling freely. Sleeping peacefully through the night. Spending her days working with animals. But more than anything, she misses being able to hug her eldest brother. He was killed in the war a month ago, and the pain is indescribable.
The only thing I dream of is for it to end soon, so I can begin building the family I dreamed of as a child.Karina Palamarchuk – deminer
“It is hard to put into words how terrible the situation in Ukraine is. The war has been horrific from day one. To me, a home is not just a place with four walls. It is a place where I can feel safe. Ukraine is my home, and as a deminer, I do everything I can to help ensure that we can all feel safe and move freely.”
